As the old adage goes, big things come in small packages. Just in case you need any evidence, take a gander at your hotel room the next time you go on vacation. Unless you are blessed with a spacious, multi-room suite—jealous, by the way—you’re likely working with a few hundred square feet. Even if you’re not spending tons of time in your hotel, you have to admit it’s not a lot of room to sleep, shower, and sneak in a little bit of work.
However, against all odds, many hotels don’t just accommodate all your daily essentials into these tight quarters, but they create the illusion of a larger space. Magic? Not quite. Rather, designers focus on spatial awareness and, more times than not, smart storage.
If you want to bring some high-end hotel vibes to your home, look no further: We tapped a few properties along the West Coast to share their small-space secrets, plus how to incorporate them into your digs.
Built-In Bed
Lido House
As Lido House in Newport Beach proves, a great bed is more than a cozy spot to catch a few zzz’s. In the property’s hotel rooms, built-in storage flanks each side of the mattress, creating a convenient spot to unpack your belongings. “Our guest room design maximizes the space and comfort while elevating value,” says Rory Emslie, general manager of Lido House. “Our built-in, open luggage rack and closet options provide an efficient, open, thoughtfully designed space for our guests to enjoy.” Here, the storage setup extends all the way to the ceiling, creating the illusion of a taller guest room. Meanwhile, the built-ins are painted the same color as the other walls, allowing the clever cubbies to hide in plain sight.
Don’t Discount a Dresser
Populus Seattle
Don’t have enough room for a full-blown closet? Populus Seattle is proof that a simple armoire can work wonders. The secret, of course, is to find the right cabinet for your space. According to Carlos Herrera, Curioso’s studio design leader who spearheaded the hotel’s decor, Populus’ guest rooms pay homage to the Arts & Crafts movements. Here, inlaid metals and tailored joinery deftly contrasts the building’s original beams that are spotted in the private areas.
“The custom-designed hospitality millwork unit integrates wardrobe storage, a minibar, and a writing desk into one cohesive piece,” Herrera adds. “It provides a beautifully functional, space-saving solution that meets multiple guest needs at once.” He adds that the wardrobes boast inset panels of brass mesh, which provides an element of texture and transparency that “complements the rich walnut finish and introduces a subtle industrial touch.”
Take a Seat
Appellation Healdsburg
We enjoy curling up on a hotel bed as much as the next lounge-loving traveler, but the best guest rooms have another place to sit. (Believe it or not, answering emails or doing your makeup on a plush mattress can be a little uncomfortable.) Anyone who doesn’t have the room for a free-floating couch or chaise lounge should take a cue from Appellation Healdsburg, which decks out its rooms with built-in seating. If you ask Matt Vuolo, design manager at EDG who worked on the space, this clever, space-efficient detail leans into the property’s emphasis on “purposeful luxury.”
“The custom built-in sofa and adjoining bench bring the versatility that today’s travelers need,” he says. “Space to lounge, dine or even work, while the adjoining bench was sized and finished to hold an open carry-on, with lots of space below to tuck luggage away.” Fun fact: The side table next to the built-in sofa was inspired by a cutting board, lending a cheeky nod to the hotel’s culinary roots.
